State of the Planet

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Photograph of a wildfire on a hillside burning at night with smoke and nearby houses.

Wildfires

Wildfires are a growing global threat, fueled by the complex interplay of climate change, human activity, and natural factors. Rising temperatures, prolonged droughts, and shifting weather patterns linked to climate change are intensifying the frequency, severity, and unpredictability of wildfires. Wildfires can devastate ecosystems, displace communities, and release vast amounts of carbon dioxide, further exacerbating climate change. As scientists work to unravel the dynamics of wildfire behavior, challenges remain in predicting fire patterns, mitigating risks, and understanding their long-term impacts on biodiversity and human health. Bridging the gap between scientific understanding and practical solutions will be crucial in adapting to this escalating crisis and building resilience against its far-reaching consequences.


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Upcoming Events

  • Thursday, February 26, 2026 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Where: Center on Global Energy Policy, 1255 Amsterdam Ave., New York, NY 10027 Description: Join us on February 26 for an in-depth, student-only conversation. Registration is required, and space is limited. The Center on Global Energy Policy (CGEP) at Columbia SIPA and the Fashion, Energy, and Climate Network invite you to join the first session of our new talk series: Fashion in […]
  • Monday, February 9, 2026 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Where: Butler Library, 535 W. 114 St., New York, NY 10027 Description: Join us for a faculty development panel exploring how researchers can build and sustain meaningful collaborations with nonprofit organizations and industry partners. Faculty panelists Andrew Rundle (Professor of Epidemiology), Stephanie Grilo (Associate Professor of Population and Family Health), Vishal Misra (RKS Family Professor of Computer Science), and Eugene Wu (Associate […]
  • Monday, February 2, 2026 12:45 PM – 1:45 PM Where: Interchurch Center, 475 Riverside Dr., New York, NY 10027 Description: ***ALL GUESTS MUST ENTER THROUGH the 61 Claremont Ave entrance***   PLEASE REGISTER HERE.   The Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment (CCSI), along with co-sponsors Columbia Law School’s Environmental Law Society and the Columbia Journal of Environmental Law, with support from the Columbia Energy Association, welcomes Thea Riofrancos for a talk on her […]

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